Politics

The Federal Government's first policy statement on multiculturalism declares it a "success" but says every Australian must sign up to shared values and mutual obligations.

The Federal Opposition argues Attorney-General George Brandis' ministerial diary holds no evidence the senator met with the community legal sector ahead of sweeping budget cuts.

Simon Birmingham and Julie Bishop defend business leaders campaigning for same-sex marriage after the group comes under fire from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.

More than 70,000 Australian seniors receive federally funded care to help them live in their own homes and now they can do something that was practically impossible before: switch the company that provides that care.

The Federal Government is ramping up pressure on Labor and the crossbench to pass its increases to childcare subsidies, citing data that shows fees are increasing across the country.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop praises US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's level of involvement in the Asia-Pacific region and describes his comments regarding military action against North Korea as a "return to stance".

Qantas will continue to advocate for same-sex marriage amid Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's criticism that "publicly listed companies stick to their knitting" and focus on delivering services for their customers.

The Parliamentary Budget Office investigates a proposal to abolish stamp duty and replace it with a broad-based land tax, adding to a fierce political battle over housing affordability.

The Federal Government will abolish the controversial Abbott-era arts fund Catalyst, after widespread criticism from the arts community.

Two elections, a world apart in the same week, has some delivering the last rites to the wave of populism that has dominated global politics, writes Stan Grant.

Farmers say they support the idea to compensate landowners for hosting gas wells on their property, but they still have concerns about the potential damage gas extraction could have on their land and water.

Australia's booming craft beer industry, which has more than doubled in the past five years, is demanding a fairer deal from the Federal Government, saying the current tax regime is holding it back.

The Queensland Premier is confronted by an Australian businessman and a tour operator after arriving in India to inspect Adani's home port.

Many people think that democracy is the right system in terms of being fairer and delivers the best outcomes for people, but does it actually make us happier?

Politicians at the state and federal level — seemingly from nowhere — came up with nation-building energy solutions this week as they sought to out-do each other, says Insiders host Barrie Cassidy.

Restrictions on gambling advertisements may be effective in helping those with problems manage their urges to gamble.

Multinational gas companies have played Australian customers. It's hard not to conclude LNG producers are cheating the system.

The Coopers Brewery brouhaha, energy policy and the WA election dominated the week's news, but who ended up on top? Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas pick their winners and losers.

Cystic fibrosis advocates push for a reimbursement agreement to be adopted in Australia, where drug manufacturers are only paid for medicines if further trials prove they work.

Felicity Ward is a stand-up comic whose personal experience of mental illness is at the core of her comedy work. Though passionate about her career, she says persistent anxiety has dampened the joy of making people laugh.

A planned expansion to the Snowy Hydro scheme is grabbing headlines — but a new plan could build oceanfront hydro power in places without mountains, including South Australia.

Australians will face dramatically reduced social services, falling living standards and higher taxes without serious budget repair, a peak business lobby group warns.

Both sides of state politics join the Queensland Resources Council to dismiss the Chappell brothers' objections to Adani's planned Carmichael coal mine.

ACTU secretary Sally McManus defends her comments about breaking the law as Christopher Pyne and other Coalition frontbenchers respond with heavy criticism.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced a $2 billion intervention in Australia's electricity supply debate, expanding the Snowy Mountains hydro scheme in a bid to power up to 500,000 homes.